The teenage dream of being a music superstar is common as far as dreams go, but for 17-year old Taylor Swift that dream is an everyday reality. The would-be junior performed for her peers May 17 in a concert at Woodlake High School that was anything but ordinary. Swift played her part along with hundreds of Woodlake High School students in a chain of events that would benefit other teens and children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

The American country Music nominee for Best New Female Artist took center stage around 10 a.m. for over a thousand screaming Woodlake high school and middle school students.

“I'd love to keep you out of class as long as possible,” said a smiling Swift in the middle of her set.

The teen singing sensation sang songs about young love, friends and trials. Woodlake Mayor Chuck Ray presented Swift with the key to the city as he declared May 17 ‘Taylor Swift Day.' Swift was also presented with a Woodlake High School jersey, which she wore for the concert's finale by student Bridget O'Shaunnesy, the WHS freshmen who helped organize the drive.

With an enrollment of only 750, Woodlake High School students raised more than $2,800 to help children dealing with life threatening illness, all by collecting change. Before Woodlake students knew it, they had turned coins into concert when they raised more than twice as much as schools double their size. The contest, sponsored by KJUG 106.7 FM in March for Valley high schools, was part of the radio station's fund drive for St. Jude Hospital. The school that raised the most money would be rewarded with a concert at their school featuring a top country artist.

What began as a parent-child conversation about the radio contest between O'Shaunnesy and her mother became a school wide drive after it was mentioned to Woodlake High School Activity Director Tony Casares.

“At first I was really nervous cause I had to present the idea to the leadership class, but everyone was really great,” said O'Shaunnesy.

Casares suggested they do a coin collection for nine days right after lunch, during 4th period. The “Common Cents for St. Jude” campaign took off with some classes donating $80-90 the first day. By the end of the nine days $2,800 had been collected, $600 from one class alone.

John Werner's AVID class of freshmen, sophomores and juniors who raised the $600 spread the word to family and friends bringing in $300 the last day. The AVID students earned a front row seat and a meet and greet session with Swift.

“One student, Jonathan Demas, really set the pace for the first day when he gave $20,” said Werner. “We don't have a lot of kids that come from wealthy families, but they have such generous hearts.”

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is unlike any other pediatric treatment facility. They welcome children and teens with newly diagnosed untreated or suspected cancer, HIV infections or certain hematologic, immunologic or genetic diseases. Not only does St. Judes care for children regardless of their ability to pay but they also provide assistance with transportation costs and local living expenses during treatments.

Woodlake High School Principal Tim Hire was proud of the staff, community members and of course the students who helped make the concert happen.

“Our kids are really good kids. When they get behind something they do it to the best of their ability,” Hire said. “And this is a testament to that.”

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